Delta Air Lines has made a significant strategic decision by placing an order for the Airbus A350-1000. This move is aimed at updating its fleet, replacing outdated aircraft such as the Boeing 767, and enhancing passenger satisfaction while reducing operational expenses and improving fuel efficiency. The A350-1000 is an ideal addition to Delta’s existing fleet of Airbus A350-900s and A330s, particularly for long-haul flights.
By transitioning to a predominantly Airbus widebody fleet, Delta has managed to reduce costs and improve operational flexibility. This is achieved by streamlining pilot training and maintenance processes. The advanced aerodynamics and lightweight materials of the A350-1000 offer substantial fuel efficiency advantages, reducing emissions and fuel consumption, and consequently lowering operating costs. This expanded payload and range will enable Delta to open new long-haul international routes, including those to Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.
Dynamic Duo: Delta & Airbus
Delta’s decision to order 20 new Airbus A350-1000 widebodies in 2024 underscores its commitment to increasing fuel efficiency and enhancing the in-flight experience. By the end of the decade, Delta plans to have over 60 A350s in its fleet. The A350-1000, being the largest and most powerful aircraft in Delta’s lineup, will offer first-rate seats, top-notch amenities, and increased cargo capacity.
Christian Scherer, Airbus’s Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial Aircraft division, expressed his gratitude for Delta’s continued confidence in Airbus. He stated:
“We are thankful for Delta’s continued confidence in Airbus’ solutions to meet its fleet needs. Delta now welcomes the A350-1000, which will open even more opportunities for the airline and its customers. We are proud that our aircraft serve the entirety of Delta’s impressive global network as this stellar airline takes fleet efficiency to the next level.”
The aircraft will primarily be deployed at international hubs and in long-haul markets to support Delta’s global expansion. The new aircraft will feature premium amenities, including Main Cabin, Delta One Suites, and Delta Premium Select, along with 15% more premium seats than the retiring aircraft. Delta Studio will offer over 1,000 hours of complimentary inflight entertainment, fast WiFi, and upscale food and drink selections.
By The Numbers: The A350-1000
The Airbus A350-1000 is distinguished by its passenger-focused Airspace interior, low airframe weight, and exceptional range. Its dimensions allow it to fit seamlessly with existing gates and airport slots designed for older twinjets. Over two-thirds of its structure is composed of carbon-fiber-reinforced composites, including fuselage skins, spars, stringers, and even the wing’s 32-meter single-piece upper cover. This makes the airframe lighter than most of its peers and free of corrosion.
The A350-1000’s high-aspect-ratio wing, with smoothly curved sharklets and droop-nose devices, maximizes airflow at low speeds. This design enables the aircraft to fly long-haul routes while consuming about a quarter less fuel than the four-engine types it replaces. Its cost-effectiveness allows it to switch between medium and long-distance routes during traffic slumps if necessary.
The unrivaled combination of efficiency, flexibility, and comfort is why the A350-1000 has become the preferred flagship for many international airlines.
Why Didn’t Delta Order The 777X?
Delta’s strategy of increasing fleet commonality with Airbus, coupled with ongoing delivery delays from Boeing, influenced its choice of the Airbus A350-1000 over the Boeing 777X. The A350-1000 allows Delta to enhance its long-haul efficiency and modernize its fleet on schedule, while the 777X remains in the certification cycle, with its launch postponed to 2027 due to various technical difficulties.
Delta’s increasing commonality with Airbus has streamlined operations, reduced crew training expenses and time, and improved cost and maintenance efficiency. Many carriers prefer the A350-1000 for their hub-and-spoke models, as it performs better on ultra-long-haul flights and uses significantly less fuel than the older Boeing 777-200LRs and 767s that Delta has retired.
The A350-1000 will replace the 767-300ER in Delta’s long-haul fleet, a move described by Cranky Flier as ‘cascading upgauging.’ This decision indicates that Delta is not waiting for the 777X to be certified after years of delays. The massive Boeing will be the largest twinjet ever made once it finally enters production, but that is not expected until 2027.
Tariffs In The Way Of Delta’s Airbus Fleet
Delta paused new Airbus aircraft deliveries from Europe and Canada while President Trump’s tariffs were in effect. This decision impacted the 20 Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft originally scheduled for delivery from Toulouse, France, in 2026. Delta’s current fleet upgrade strategy has been significantly disrupted by uncertain tariffs that could increase aircraft costs by as much as 20%.
Delta currently operates 40 Airbus A350-900 aircraft with 19 more on order. These are alongside the 20 larger A350-1000s and options for 20 additional frames. The airline has been clear that it won’t pay tariffs on any aircraft deliveries it takes. In response to the uncertain economics, Delta reduced planned network growth and remained in flux with regard to capacity, citing decreased spending on recreational travel as a key factor.
Trump’s Trade Policy Is Hurting Delta
Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in 2025 has had significant negative impacts on the global aerospace industry due to protectionist trade policies. Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury stated in May 2025 that Europe should impose tariffs on imported Boeing aircraft and parts if the US persisted with its 10% tariff on new Airbus aircraft.
Fortunately, reciprocal tariffs were avoided after the EU and Airbus took a firm stance against the Trump administration. Reuters later quoted Faury as saying:
“We are producing aircraft in line with our plans but deliveries are backloaded as we face persistent engine supply issues on the A320 programme. The operating environment is complex and fast-changing. On tariffs, the recent political agreement between the EU and the US to revert to a zero-tariff approach for civil aircraft is a welcome development for our industry. Our 2025 guidance, which continues to exclude the impact of tariffs, remains unchanged.”
US federal courts eventually ruled that most of Trump’s tariffs were illegal, with the president launching an appeal to the higher court to reverse the decision. According to CNBC, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that Trump overstepped his authority with steep duties on almost every country in the world.
This development is good news for Airbus and Delta, as it means that even if Trump were to change his mind, he would not have the power to implement new tariffs. Delta will benefit from stability and a return to the free, open, and untaxed trade of global aerospace products when it finally takes delivery of its new flagship A350-1000s.
